NEW CANAAN, Conn. -- The Young Women's League of New Canaan gave an annual award to recent New Canaan High grad Abigail Jenkins for "excellence in service to the community."

In addition to receiving the award, the Women's League gave Jenkins a grant to bestow on an organization of her choice. She chose the Carver Center in Norwalk, where she volunteered most of her time, according to a news release.

“The kids loved having someone come in to spend time with them,” Jenkins said in the statement of the time she spent at the Carver Center, working primarily with third-graders. “I really enjoyed spending time with them too.”

Aside from the Carver Center, Abby worked with Volunteer Square, a website that links volunteers with volunteer opportunities that match their interests. Abby promoted the website in her high school and was able to recruit friends and classmates to also volunteer their time through the website. She then blogged about her volunteer work on various websites.

Jenkins will attend Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., in the fall where she plans to continue to devote time to community service.

"We are very proud to recognize such an outstanding young woman” YWL President Nicole Cribbins said in the statement. “Today’s students are incredibly busy with studies, sports, and other activities, so finding a student who is willing to carve out time in their already active schedules to volunteer is important to the The League. We thank her for that and wish her the best of luck in all of her future endeavors, hoping she continues in her service to others.

Comments (1)

What a lovely story! and such a wonderful young person, you are truly the future, it is refreshing to hear about one who would give back. The Carver Center has a stalward soldier in helping children in Norwalk for many years.

Thank you for your service and your recognition of this fine institution!